Bowl record: 11-7
Overall: 87-37 (.702 win %)
National Championship Game - Glendale, Ariz.
No. 2 Alabama vs. No. 1 Clemson (Line: Alabama -7)
Clemson has had a good team recently, but the Tigers became great with Deshaun Watson at quarterback. Watson became just the third player in FBS history to pass for over 3,500 yards and rush for over 1,000. When the Tigers have the ball, the offense runs through Watson. Alabama will key on him and attempt to stuff him and Wayne Gallman to force Clemson into passing downs. Watson is a better than average passer, but too many third-and-longs would be tough to overcome against the Tide.
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| Dabo Swinney has Clemson in the National Championship Game for the first time since the 1981 season. (Photo courtesy Getty Images) |
For Alabama, it’s all about giving Derrick Henry the ball as many times as possible. Henry, the Heisman Trophy winner, and the Alabama offensive line wear down defenses over the course of the game. They rely on their defense to get stops quickly and get back on the field to pound the ball some more. And just when you think that’s all they do, quarterback Jake Coker puts the ball in the air to many receiving threats, including freshman sensation Calvin Ridley.
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| Nick Saban seeks his fourth national title with the Crimson Tide. (Photo courtesy The Associated Press) |
I’ve looked at this every way I possibly can and despite the fact that Henry has the Heisman, I truly believe two things: 1) Watson is the best player on the field and 2) Watson is much more important to his team.
That said, this game should be a fun one from all angles. Alabama’s vaunted defense against Clemson’s uptempo, spread offense. The Tide’s power running game against the No. 6 defense in the country. Both teams with proverbial chips on their shoulders.
A duel in the desert. And Clemson completes the perfect 15-0 season. Clemson 27, Alabama 23
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